ASHEVILLE — The heroes of Western North Carolina waterways go back a long way, from the Cherokee centuries ago to 20th century WNC writer and conservationist Wilma Dykeman. They include, for example, those who fought a Tennessee Valley Authority plans to turn thousands of acres of farmland and ancestral homes into recreational lakes.

To honor these and other, lesser-known heroes, the Center for Cultural Preservation in Hendersonville is producing a new film to tell river stories past and present. The documentary, titled "The River Heroes of the South," is expected to be released next year.

To support this ongoing work, the center has teamed up with New Belgium Brewery to hold a film party to raise finishing funds at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at New Belgium’s Brew House, 21 Craven St. in the River Arts District.

As part of the event, center will screen its acclaimed film on Asheville’s 1916 flood, "Come Hell or High Water: Remembering the Great Flood of 1916." The evening will start off with music by local singer-songwriter David Wiseman.

"Teaming up with New Belgium Brewing Company is a natural for us," said David Weintraub, the filmmaker and executive director of the Center for Cultural Preservation. "It takes great water to brew great beer, and New Belgium's commitment to sustainability through its clean energy initiatives, rainwater harvesting and much more makes for a great partnership for the center's new film."

New Belgium sustainability coordinator Sarah Fraser added that because "healthy and reliable watershed is something we care deeply about as brewers and community members, we do everything we can to reduce our impact on the river. That’s why we support the many efforts in the region working to protect our rivers and streams" —as well as Weintraub's efforts to recount the stories of river warriors.

Wilma Dykeman with copies of one of her books.(Photo11: Courtesy of the Center for Cultural Preservation)

Weintraub quoted Dykeman's call to action for river preservation: "Because, just as the river belongs to no one, it belongs to everyone and everyone is held accountable for its health and condition."

The film party will also include a short preview of the new river film. The suggested donation is $10 and reservations can be made online at saveculture.org or by calling the Center for Cultural Preservation at 828-692-8062.